Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has ordered the immediate closure of 31 scrap and abandoned materials markets in Aba as part of efforts to reduce crime in the commercial hub.

Chief Okiyi Kalu, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, announced the closure in a statement on Wednesday.

The markets would stay closed until the authorities could identify those engaged in the collecting and selling of waste throughout the state, according to Kalu.

He went on to say that the government needed to simplify the industry in order to get rid of individuals who were using it as a cover to commit crimes.

He directed appropriate market executives and security personnel to guarantee that the instruction was followed.

He also indicated that on May 17, the ministry will meet with heads of the different scrap and unused materials marketplaces to clean up their activities.

The government also invited the management of Inner Galaxy Steel Company Ltd. in the state’s Ukwa West Local Government Area to the meeting.

The scraps and disused materials markets are scattered around Aba and its arterial roads.